The Knicks have gotten off to a red hot start this offseason, giving their fans multiple reasons to be excited over the past 48 hours. Their first move being a trade that sent Bojan Bogdanović, five first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-rounders to the Nets for Mikal Bridges and a second round pick.
For those unaware, Bridges was also on the Villanova National Championship team where he played alongside Brunson, Divincenzo, and Hart. This move completes the 'Nova Knicks, and gives New York yet another playmaker and three-point threat.
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| (image via AP Photo/ David J. Phillip) |
The original three 'Nova Knicks took to social media shortly afterwards to rave over their fellow Wildcat making his way over the Brooklyn Bridge. Josh Hart posted an image to X where he, Bridges, Brunson, and Divincenzo were all smiles on a FaceTime call together just minutes after the trade was announced on Tuesday night.
This move was celebrated by Knicks fans, yet also brought with it some skepticism over whether or not this meant the team would be able to resign OG Anunoby to a major contract. Sure enough, Wednesday afternoon it was reported that he indeed intends to signs a five-year, $212.5 million contract to stay in New York. Another Massive deal for the Knicks.
These moves make it clear to me what the Knicks goal is for this offseason; they want to build the Anti-Celtics. Allow me to explain what I mean by that. With Boston winning the title they are still the team the beat in the NBA and more specifically in the Eastern Conference. New York is looking to build it's team in a way to combat everything the C's do well. They have an All-NBA defensive point guard, the Knick's was fourth in scoring. Boston has two elite scorers on the wings, New York now has two elite defenders on the wing. Polar opposites.
The only thing the Knicks are left without is a stretch 5 center. With Isaiah Hartenstein likely leaving in free agency they must look to add another big man alongside Mitchell Robinson who can defend on the perimeter when facing guys like Giannis, Embiid, and of course Porzingis. Although the Knicks passed on him twice on night one of the NBA Draft, I look to Kyle Filipowski out of Duke as a potential option in the second round.
Flip's athleticism and ability to stretch the floor is exactly what the Knicks need in a backup big. His consistent mid range jumper and aptness to hit deep threes could add yet another weapon to the Knicks already loaded offense. As much as fans love Robinson's ability to shot block, bringing in a guy who can score outside of the paint would be a great breath of fresh air.
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| (image via The Duke Chronicle by Abigail Bromberger) |
With that said, the two major moves the Knicks have already done give New York one of the best defensive wing tandems in the NBA to start alongside their star point guard. Putting them in prime position to be true competitors for the NBA Title in 2025.
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